Q:I just purchased a new notebook computer (not a touch-screen model) that came with Windows 8. Call me a Luddite, but I can't figure out how to turn the darn thing off. In Windows 7, there were options on the Start menu for shutting down, restarting and putting the computer to sleep. But Windows 8 doesn't seem to have a Start menu - or even a Start button, for that matter. Help!

A: The Power options button in Windows 8 is tucked inside Settings on the Charms Bar, which you can access by moving your mouse to the upper or lower right corner of the screen. However, you can also open Settings by holding down the Windows key and pressing the letter "i."

If you're pining for the Windows 7 Start menu, you can download a free alternative. Popular third-party Start menus include Classic Shell ( www.classicshell.net), Start Menu 8 ( www.iobit.com) and StartW8 ( www.areaguard.com). All of them have Shut Down buttons that let you turn off, restart or put the computer to sleep.

By the way, you can safely turn off your system simply by pressing the power button on the computer and holding it down for five seconds or so. Just make sure to close any open files and programs first.

Q:I'm running out of room on my DirecTV DVR. Is it possible to save programs to an external hard drive connected to the DVR? Also, can movies and TV programs saved on an external drive be viewed if I switch to a different DVR (or a different cable or satellite company)? One more question: Can stuff on the external drive be watched on a computer?

A: You ask a lot of questions, partner. Are you sure you're from around these parts? (Just thought I'd inject a Wild West feel to the column.) But seriously, all TV providers let you use an external hard drive to effectively augment the capacity of your DVR. You may have to buy a hard drive that's compatible with your DVR, so check that on your provider's website.

I'm afraid the answer to your other questions is no. Once a hard drive is paired with a DVR, you can't move it to a different DVR and view its contents. And stuff on the hard drive can't be watched on a computer, because it's saved in a proprietary format computers can't recognize.

This labyrinth of incompatibility is meant to thwart piracy, but it also works to the benefit of the cable and satellite companies because when you stand to lose dozens of movies you've saved to a hard drive, you may be less likely to jump to another provider.

Q:I'm thinking of replacing my 3-year-old Android phone. I don't need the latest and greatest model - just one with a big screen (more than 4 inches) and a newer version of Android. Any recommendations?

A: You're in luck. The smartphone market is maturing, which means that new phones boast only incremental improvements over models that were considered state of the art a couple of years ago. Most of the forward momentum today is in apps - and newer apps usually work on older phones.

Right now, you can get a terrific phone for one-third the price of the iPhone 5, HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4. Case in point, the LG Optimus L9. It's 4G-capable and boasts a 4.5-inch screen, a 5-megapixel camera and the latest incarnation of Android. You can pick up the T-Mobile version for $200 at Best Buy, Target or Walmart, and the Metro PCS version can be had for less than $150. And by the way, both T-Mobile and Metro PCS offer pretty competitive no-contract plans for unlimited text, talk and data.

Q:I'm considering buying a new HDTV. I am unhappy with the maximum volume on my present set. Do TVs vary in their volume, and if so, can you recommend the TV brand that is loudest?

A: That's a question you don't hear every day - loudly or softly. In fact, no one's ever asked me before. I assume you live alone, and nowhere near other people, because if you turn the sound up all the way on any TV, it could bring the wrath of your family and neighbors down upon you.

I have no idea which TVs are the loudest. I don't think anyone does. In any case, you can increase the volume beyond the TV's native capacity by adding a home theater receiver or a self-powered soundbar. The latter should be cheaper - soundbars start at around $200.